If I add a regex formula to the query, it does the filtering as usual as you can see from this image:

But when I use a table Variable to use on a dropdown, it automatically adds backslash characters (or scape characters) to the string and results in the system not filtering:

anymore. Any ideas of what is happening here? were these variables left behind on a new upgrade change?
is there a way to disable this?
please help! thank you!
Versions

10.6.1 (CU0) - WEB

10.5.12.0-16623 - Server

10.6.2547.2004 - API

10.6.2547.3044 - APP

1.0.100.22910 - GQI